Role Description

Scientific > Analytical Scientist

Salary National Average

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61760.0000 73790.0000 91420.0000

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Short Description:

Analytical scientists identify the chemical composition, properties, and behavior of substances through analytical techniques such as spectroscopy, chromatography, and electrophoresis. They are usually part of the research and development team in companies or institutions that deal with drug formulation, forensics, toxicology, chemical manufacturing, or other scientific disciplines. A major part of their work is conducting end-to-end tests and experiments, but they also develop new analytical methods and manage laboratory logistics and regulatory compliance. They typically have full-time or part-time schedules but are rarely self-employed, and they may spend several hours standing inside the laboratory.

Duties / Responsibilities:

  • Develop Analytical Methods - In response to changing requirements during product development, analytical scientists design new analytical methods or refine existing ones, then validate these for official use. Alternatively, they may participate in method transfers, where they use methods that originated from other laboratories.
  • Conduct Testing - It’s the job of analytical scientists to conduct comprehensive rounds of testing on raw materials as well as in-process and final products. These may include stability, UV/VIS, dissolution, HPLC, and physical tests, which check for composition, physical and chemical properties, and behavior over time.
  • Evaluate Data - Analytical scientists gather and document experimental data using lab notebooks and specialized software. Afterwards, they perform statistical analysis on these and interpret the results, relaying their findings through summary reports, technical documents, and even formal presentations.
  • Manage Inventory - In order to meet project deadlines, analytical scientists manage the laboratory inventory, monitoring stock levels and procuring reagents, standards, and other necessary lab supplies. Likewise, they ensure that equipment is in good working order by calibrating these, checking for accuracy, and making minor repairs.
  • Maintain Compliance - The chemical and pharmaceutical industries require strict adherence to standards, and analytical scientists keep abreast with these, constantly assessing company procedures and enforcing compliance with departmental rules, regulatory requirements, and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) guidelines.

Skills / Requirements / Qualifications

  • Chemistry knowledge – at the very least, analytical scientists formally studied chemistry for at least four years, so they possess in-depth knowledge of the subject. They are well-versed in both theory and practice and are interested in pushing the boundaries of research
  • Critical thinking – analytical scientists must be able to analyze and interpret data accurately and apply the results to help create new products or procedures. They must also have the creativity to find solutions to obstacles and technical issues
  • Attention to detail – being precise is extremely important for analytical scientists, who should follow standard procedures and record data accurately if they are to hold successful tests and experiments
  • Collaboration – analytical scientists often coordinate with suppliers and function within a research and development team, where they exchange findings with Engineer and other scientists, so they must have good communication and teamwork skills
  • Technical writing – it’s essential for analytical scientists to be comfortable with technical writing, since they log all of their experimental data and prepare reports and procedural documents

Job Zones

  • Title: Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
  • Education: Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
  • Related Experience: Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
  • Job Training: Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
  • Job Zone Examples: These occupations often involve coordinating, training, supervising, or managing the activities of others to accomplish goals. Very advanced communication and organizational skills are required. Examples include pharmacists, lawyers, astronomers, biologists, clergy, neurologists, and veterinarians.
  • SVP Range: (8.0 and above

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